Metro Hotel

Housed in a modern nine-floor building with a distinctive wood-slatted facade, the Metro is immaculate and modern, with stylish minimalism throughout its interiors. There's even a playful theme, with rustic outdoorsy elements being incorporated in cute, kitchsy ways. The look throughout is a blend of eastern and Scandinavian design trends, and the nature theme first appears in the green mountain-shaped felt pillows sitting along the banquettes in the small, light-filled lobby. The look is fresh and mod, with neutral tones and chic grays alongside pops of bright colors. There's a Starbucks on the ground floor of the hotel, but breakfast is served in the spartan Club House on the top floor, which is equipped with light-wood tables and white plastic chairs at counter seating around the windows and in the middle of the room -- it feels a bit cafeteria-esque, but in a contemporary way. There's also a small outdoor patio, the Terrace Lounge, that resembles a "Mad Max"-style cage with metal, bar-style stools suspended over the street. The kids playroom is equipped with plenty of colorful plastic toys and blocks and is housed in an all-glass, fish bowl-style room. Guests range from eager shoppers to families and couples hailing from all over the world.

Situated smack in the middle of Seoul’s most famous shopping district -- Myeongdong -- the Metro Hotel is surrounded by hustle and bustle, high-rise buildings, banks, and other hotels. The Euljiro-1-ga Metro station is around five minutes' walk from the hotel, as are shopping venues like Noon Square and the Lotte Department Store. It doesn't get more central than this for easy access to everything in Seoul. The iconic N Seoul Tower is a five-minute drive from the hotel, while the historically vibrant and bustling Insadong neighborhood is a 15-minute walk. There's a Starbucks on the ground floor of the hotel and many restaurants and shops in every direction. Gyongbokgung Palace, a major tourist destination, takes about five minutes to reach by taxi, as does Changdeokgung Palace. The historic Namdaemun Market is a 10- to 15-minute walk from the hotel. Gimpo Airport is about 20 minutes away by car or taxi while Incheon Airport will take about 45 minutes to reach by car. Both are accessible by public transportation in 60 to 90 minutes, respectively. 

The Metro’s 78 rooms vary in size, accommodating up to four guests, but each room is nearly identical in appearance. Contemporary light wood veneer furniture with clean, minimalist lines sits on with dark, hardwood floors or gray carpeting. Certain rooms have furniture with chunkier, rustic silhouettes, like the love seat in one of the Comfort Queen Rooms we visited. The outdoor-kitsch decor seen in the lobby makes its way into guest rooms, too, with playful green mountain pillows and throws with prints of deer on them. Walls are immaculately white and free of any decoration, while gray bed runners look sharp against white duvets on beds, which sit on raised hardwood platforms. The hip, austere aesthetic won't be for everyone, but it's dead-on as far as hotel design trends go. Sleek as they are, some rooms don’t get much natural light, as the windows are small and some face neighboring buildings. All have flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, electric kettles, mini-fridges, safes, slippers, free Wi-Fi, and electrical converters. The desk in each room is equipped with a modern plastic chair, and there's also a small stool in every room, but furnishings are generally kept to a minimum. Modern bathrooms have electronic toilets and glass cube showers or shower/tub combos, as well as toiletries and hairdryers. 

The features at the Metro don't go that deep, but the hotel does offer a buffet breakfast including several hot and cold options, like homemade yogurt, freshly baked breads, eggs and bacon, and Asian items. It's included with many, but not all, bookings. There's free Wi-Fi access in rooms and throughout the hotel. Families can take advantage of the playroom for children and, for those in the Family Suite, there is access to a pantry room with a sink, microwave, free laundry facilities, and baby tub. There are only three machines -- a stationary bike, a treadmill, and a pullet machine -- in the fitness room along with a mounted TV. Guests can use the public computer and coin-operated laundry area. There's no full-service bar or restaurant at this hotel, though guests can sit in the Terrace Lounge and watch the street life below. There's one meeting room available, the PDR, for 18 people (or up to 24 standing).